How Good is Rodenstock APO-Rodagon-N ?

[RedSun]

This lens is worth quite some money. It is a small lens and I do not see anything special other than it is a APO lens.

Is it really outstanding than other good lens, such as the Schneider Componon-S F2.8 50mm?

[vinny]

It's crap. Mail it to me and I'll exchange it for a componon.
Have you used it to make big enlargments?
Try that, then you'll know.

[RedSun]

I'll try it. If it is no good, I can just sell it for good money :) Not going to send to you for exchange :cool:

People are still paying something like $200 for it....

[ic-racer]

Info here: http://www.rodenstock-photo.com/mediabase/original/e_Rodenstock_Printing_CCD_43-62__8230.pdf

[Daniel Stone]

I use the 90mm 'n' version for enlarging MF negs in the darkroom, both b/w and color. I'm waiting to find a 'deal' on a 50mm, I don't feel like paying over $200 for one...

One word to describe it: stupendous

If you want the best enlarging lenses from Rodenstock, use these lenses.

Dan

[jeroldharter]

Can't speak for Rodenstock but I have the similar Schneider Apo-Componon 50, 90, and 150mm lenses. They are very good. Even so, for "normal enlargements" i.e. up to 11x14 I can't really distinguish the Apo-Componon 150 from my Rodagon (non-apo) 150.

But in your example, a premium of ~$150 for the apoRodagon is easy arithmetic. I would go for the apo. The cost pales to the cost of the film and paper one either end of the lens.

[joselsgil]

I have a dumb question about the Rodenstock Rodagon.

If it is a APO Rodagon N, will the lens have this info on the lens? I ask because I have a 5:6 300mm lens, but it only has the Rodagon name on it.

Inquiring minds want to know. :)

[Drew Wiley]

An Apo Rodagon will be appropriately labeled. But I think the N's were only made up to
150mm. There are other types (including some apos for graphics use) and a "D" series for
1:1 duplication. The 150 is so ridiculously good that I routinely use it even for med format
and 35mm enlargement. I'd love to have a 105 too, but haven't had the budget when one
actually came up for sale.

[Bob Salomon]

I have a dumb question about the Rodenstock Rodagon.

If it is a APO Rodagon N, will the lens have this info on the lens? I ask because I have a 5:6 300mm lens, but it only has the Rodagon name on it.

Inquiring minds want to know. :)
The longest Apo Rodagon-N lens ever made by Rodenstock was the discontinued 150mm. The longest Rodenstock Apo enlarging lens ever made by Rodenstock was the 180mm Apo Rodagon (no N) which the 150 replaced.

All other Apo Rodagon lenses longer then 180mm were process lenses and not enlarging lenses.

The 105mm Apo Rodagon-N is in current production.

For duplicating Rodenstock still makes the 75mm 4.0; the 75mm 4.5 and a 120mm Apo Rodagon-D lenses. These do not work as enlarging lenses but look like an enlarging lens.

[Bob Salomon]

I have a dumb question about the Rodenstock Rodagon.

If it is a APO Rodagon N, will the lens have this info on the lens? I ask because I have a 5:6 300mm lens, but it only has the Rodagon name on it.

Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Yes, it would say Apo Rodagon-N on the rim. In 300mm Rodenstock made the 300mm Rodagon for routine print sizes and a 300mm Rodagon-G for mural size prints. If your is a G it would be marked Rodagon-G so you have the Rodagon.

[joselsgil]

Bob Solomon,

Thanks for the info. Your photographic knowledge is greatly appreciated.


Jose